The aim of this project is to assess the utility of novel tests that measure antibodies to chlamydia in evaluating chlamydia control.

This will be achieved by the collection and serological characterisation of serum (blood) samples from women with and without diagnoses of chlamydia and/or its sequelae. We will use blood that has been left over and stored after diagnostic testing, from women attending sexual health clinics with known histories of chlamydia and from those with and without a diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

During the first two years, 2,000 specimens will be collected and tested for chlamydia antibodies at Imperial College London. Sample sizes for subsequent seroprevalence surveys will be determined in light of improved understanding of the factors affecting seroconversion and the utility of this marker.

This project is being conducted in collaboration with the HPRU for Evaluation of Interventions (University of Bristol). The results will inform the use of serological tests to monitor and evaluate chlamydia control.